Unlock Growth: Top 5 Enterprise Supplier Development Programs for South African SMMEs

For small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa, breaking into corporate supply chains can be a game-changer. Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) initiatives are a cornerstone of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE), designed to foster inclusive economic growth by upskilling, funding, and integrating black-owned businesses. These programs offer far more than just a contract; they provide mentorship, access to markets, and critical business development support. If you’re ready to scale, here are five premier ESD programs to explore.

1. The Eskom Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme

Focus: Energy, Engineering, and Services
As a state-owned utility, Eskom runs one of the country’s most comprehensive ESD programmes. It targets qualifying black-owned SMMEs, particularly those in the energy value chain, with a focus on engineering, construction, maintenance, and professional services. Support includes tender opportunities, technical skills transfer, and mentorship to ensure suppliers meet stringent industry standards.

Key Benefit: Direct access to tenders and long-term contracts within the national energy sector.
Ideal For: SMMEs in engineering, renewable energy components, logistics, and safety services.
Contact Details:
- Website: https://www.eskom.co.za/suppliers/EnterpriseDevelopment/Pages/Home.aspx
- Email: supplier@eskom.co.za
- Phone: 086 00 37566 (Eskom Contact Centre)

2. The Absa Enterprise and Supply Chain Development

Focus: Financially Enabling Diverse SMMEs
Absa’s programme is designed to develop sustainable, black-owned businesses that can become part of its own or its corporate clients’ supply chains. They offer a blend of access to finance (through preferential loan terms), business skills workshops, and mentorship. A standout feature is their focus on “bank readiness,” helping SMMEs strengthen their financial governance to attract further investment.

Key Benefit: Holistic support combining finance, business skills, and facilitated market linkages.
Ideal For: SMMEs seeking to improve financial management and secure procurement opportunities with large corporates.
Contact Details:
- Website: https://www.absa.africa/absaafrica/small-business/enterprise-development/
- ESD Specific Contact: Reach out via the Small Business hub on the website or visit your local Absa Business branch.

3. Samsung ESD Programme (Run via SRP)

Focus: Tech, Retail, and Manufacturing
Samsung South Africa’s ESD initiative, often administered through partners like the Samsung Repair & Prepare (SRP) programme, aims to develop black-owned businesses in electronics repair, retail, and logistics. They provide technical training, business management support, and access to genuine parts, empowering SMMEs to operate as authorised service providers or retail partners.

Key Benefit: Specialised technical certification and a chance to join a global brand’s authorised network.
Ideal For: Technicians, aspiring electronics retailers, and logistics providers in the tech sector.
Contact Details:
- General Samsung SA Inquiries: ssa.pr@samsung.com
- Best Approach: Monitor the Samsung South Africa Newsroom and “Careers & Opportunities” section for specific ESD programme calls for applications.

4. The Naspers Supplier Development Programme

Focus: Technology, Media, and Services
As a global consumer internet group with major investments like Takealot, Mr D, and Media24, Naspers runs a targeted supplier development programme. They seek to develop black-owned SMMEs that can provide services in digital marketing, IT support, content creation, logistics, and corporate services, integrating them into their vast ecosystem.

Key Benefit: Potential access to procurement opportunities within South Africa’s leading e-commerce and media platforms.
Ideal For: Digital marketers, IT consultants, content creators, courier services, and office supply businesses.
Contact Details:
- Website: https://www.naspers.com/south-africa/supplier-development
- Email: Typically managed through a formal application process on their website.

5. The Telkom FutureMakers Supplier Development Initiative

Focus: ICT and Digital Solutions
Telkom’s FutureMakers initiative is a cornerstone of their B-BBEE strategy, focused on developing black-owned ICT SMMEs. The programme offers a combination of procurement opportunities, business development support, and mentorship. They actively look for suppliers in areas like fibre network deployment, IT hardware, software development, and professional telecommunications services.

Key Benefit: Integration into the ICT infrastructure value chain with a leading national player.
Ideal For: SMMEs in fibre optics, IT support, software development, cybersecurity, and telecoms engineering.
Contact Details:
- Website: https://www.telkom.co.za/about_us/bbbee/enterprise.html
- Phone: 10210 (Telkom General Enquiries) – request to be directed to the Enterprise & Supplier Development department.

How to Prepare Your Application

Before applying, ensure your business is ready:

B-BBEE Certificate: Have a valid B-BBEE Sworn Affidavit (for Exempted Micro Enterprises) or a Certificate from a verified agency.
Solid Business Plan: Clearly articulate your value proposition, growth goals, and how the programme’s support will help you achieve them.
Financial Records: Maintain up-to-date and accurate financial statements.
Be Specific: Align your application with the corporation’s specific industry and needs.

Investing time in these programmes can be your catalyst for sustainable growth, turning your small business into a resilient, competitive supplier in the national economy.

Disclaimer: Programme details and contact information are subject to change. Always refer to the official corporate websites for the most current application guidelines and requirements.